So I've lost the key to my Maxima (1999, GLE) and from what I understand you have to get a special key with a transponder in it for a replacement. Is it an absolute must for the key to be ordered at a nissan dealership? Or can I order an aftermarket one and then have an automotive locksmith cut and program it? Anyone have experience with this and hopefully a website from which I can order a new key.

 

Ace hardware does them now. It won't look like your Nissan key though.

The remote for the alarm and locking/unlocking the doors and opening the trunk... Not sure what to do about that. Hopefully the other guys can help!

 

The 99 model has the NATS antitheft system. You will need to get a locksmith that has the software to reprogram the key to match the NATS code for your car. Many locksmiths can reprogram 2000 model keys and later. Only a few can reprogram a 99 model key.

It depends on your location. Unfortunately, in my location, my only alternative is to go see the dealer.

I've had Ace Hardware duplicate existing 99 model keys, but I had the old key to use for making the duplicate.

 

Damn I figured it would've been an issue...I'm gonna call a few locksmiths tomorrow and hopefully they can do it if not I'll have no choice but to go to the Nissan dealer who said they charge 119 for just the key plus labor.

 

Good to know about Ace. I've been trying to make a copy of my '99 key (which actually looks like it's already a copy of the original). Home Depot and Lowe's both said they can only do 2000-2003. I was about to take the key to the dealership. I'll give Ace a shot. Thanks guys.

 

Please, if you can, let us know how they price out! Thanks!

 

Note my little neighborhood Ace store had to order the keys. It took a couple of days. A larger Ace may have had keys for the 99 model in stock.

 

I went to home depot and made duplicate keys for my car for $2 each, have 4 of them, one in my wallet pocket so just incase I lock myself out(rarely happens as when I turn off the car I check before I get out), and other 2 places are places I only know where.

And yes all keys work, tried em all.

 

We are talking about keys with a RFID chip in them. The 1999 model was the first year to use them. All the cars before the 1999 model don't use the RFID chip type keys so keys can be made anywhere without any problem.

The reason that many local locksmiths cannot program a the keys for the 1999 model is that they don't have the correct cable. To program the keys on the 1999 model, you need to hook up to the Nissan CONSULT connector. Starting with the 2000 model, Nissan eliminated the special CONSULT connector, so all functions like CONSULT and the key programming are done through the OBD connector.

Ihave no idea how much a cable that connects to the Nissan CONSULT connector costs, but it appears that a lot of locksmiths don't care to buy one. But I also know that there are locksmiths that are not aware of a different cable is needed for the 1999 Nissans.